i love romcoms and i am a feminist: a manifesto in 100 romcoms

A celebration of 100 of the best romantic comedies of all time - all with proper feminist credentials. From Barbie to Muriel’s Wedding and It Happened One Night to 13 Going on 30, this book will validate your love of romcoms and prove they have always had your back.

We all love romcoms. They keep us on the edge of our seats, waiting for the two leads to fall madly in love. But what you may not realize is that they often contain profound feminist messages that have the power to re-shape how we think about sexism and women’s rights.

In this fascinating guide, movie journalist and Bechdel Test Fest founder Corrina Antrobus reveals how romcoms reflect feminism in the modern age. These iconic, groundbreaking movies have shone a spotlight or shifted narratives on topics from body positivity to abortion, and from faking orgasms to workplace equality.

Antrobus discusses all the best feminist moments, big and small, in romcoms through the ages, including:

• When Harry Met Sally, which broke taboos around faking orgasms
• 10 Things I Hate About You, which embraced female rebellion
• Mamma Mia!, which sang in the face of slut shaming
• My Best Friend’s Wedding, which showed us it’s OK to be irrational
• Clueless, which proved women can be fashionable, feminine, and feminist!
• Bridesmaids, which brought female-powered comedy to the forefront of Hollywood

So, what are you waiting for?! Arm yourself with this stylish guide to the best feelgood movies that have taught a generation of women and girls all about love, humor, and identity. Each page includes recommendations for similar movies, making it the perfect companion for anyone in love with romcoms and longing for more.

Corrina Antrobus is a film journalist who writes for Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, Empire magazine, the BBC and many more. Culture Development Manager for Hackney Council in London, Antrobus is also a committed feminist and engaged advocate for inclusivity and diversity in cinema. In 2014 she founded the Bechdel Test Fest, an ongoing feminist film festival which highlights films that pass the Bechdel Test. She was awarded a Women in Hollywood Trailblazer award in 2017 and was nominated for a Screen Rising Star Award in 2019.